Clos des Papes - Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021 (750ml)
Price: $124.99
| Producer | Clos des Papes |
| Country | France |
| Region | Rhone |
| Subregion | Chateauneuf du Pape |
| Varietal | Rhone Blend |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 6532 |
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Clos des Papes Description
The 2021 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge offers a great array of bright red fruit notes, thanks to the cooler nights in the summer of the growing season, along with a solid backbone of dark fruit and black olive the low yield and increased percentage of Mourvedre contribute. As always, Clos des Papes' rouge delivers a full tannic structure that, again, thanks to the Mourvedre, does not overpower the palate, but glides to the back of the palate with the bright red fruit and spice and then washes back to the front with grip and notes of tobacco and leather.
Blend: 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah
Wine Spectator: 96 Points
Elegant and approachable, this stunning red offers seductive aromatics of smoked incense and red tea, with floral high notes, followed by a well of cassis, licorice and red currant flavors coated in graphite. Dusty in feel, with fine-grained tannins bringing structure and textural complexity, while an iron element lingers on the very long finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2035.
Decanter: 95 Points
Defined raspberry and redcurrant fruits, some woody spices in the background. Quite a rounded, fluid style, the acidity is really quite marked this year. Tannins are gentle, and it finishes on raspberry and redcurrant coulis. There's a silky touch on the palate. It's built around the acidity, the tannins are just gently sandy. Good sense of purity, quite a Burgundian vintage. Less Grenache in the blend this year as it was particularly hit by the frost.
Wine Advocate: 95 Points
Cherries, raspberries and truffles appear on the nose of the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape, which weighs in at 15.1% alcohol. Showing ample concentration and length, this medium to full-bodied effort isn't quite as well endowed as the 2022, but it's still a gorgeous wine, framed by silky tannins and finishing with bright, pomegranate-like fruit.
Jeb Dunnuck: 95 Points
While production was down 40% due to the frost, Vincent was able to make a beautiful 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape that readers will love to have in the cellar. All about finesse and elegance, it reveals a classic Clos des Papes nose of both red and black fruits as well as tons of floral, pepper, and spicy notes. These carry to a medium-bodied 2021 that has good ripeness (the alcohol is 15%), a supple, silky mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's not far off the style of the 2020, and while it doesn't have the density of a top vintage, it nevertheless has balance, complexity, and elegance, and will have 15+ years of longevity.
Vinous: 94 Points
The 2021 Chateauneuf-du-Pape is made with slightly more Grenache and less Syrah than previous vintages. Intermixing aromas of red and black fruits, dried herbs, white pepper, and crushed rocks, this 2021 shows slightly less intensity than either the 2020 or 2019. Full-bodied, elegant, and framed by smooth tannins, it is well-balanced by fresh acidity and closes with a savory finish.
James Suckling: 94 Points
A perfumed nose of cherries, dark berries, baking spices, violets, licorice and some incense as well. It's medium-bodied with finely grained tannins. It's well-balanced with finesse and harmony. Crunchy and fresh with a velvety texture and great drinkability. Juicy, precise finish with excellent length. Drink or hold.
